Last week, the Connecticut Supreme Court denied a request to review Save Old Saugatuck’s petition for certification. That removes a final roadblock to construction of the 157-unit Summit Saugatuck’s “Village at Saugatuck” project, on Hiawatha Lane Extension.
SOS attorney Joel Green was not surprised. “The overwhelming need for affordable housing in Connecticut appears to be strongly influencing judicial review and the outcome of cases involved in any way with this issue,” he says.
Carolanne Curry, the neighbor who has led the long political and legal fight against the development, says that the decision
quietly ended one of Westport’s longest and strongest efforts by Save Old Saugatuck to stop the abuse and exploitation that Connecticut’s housing law 8-30g provided to developer Felix Charney in his dangerous and disgusting proposal to turn a single-family neighborhood of homes into a chaos of apartment buildings that will be built on fragile wetlands and carry the potential of killer traffic problems.
Artist’s rendering of Summit Saugatuck.
SOS now turns its attention to a new proposal: a 5-story, 42-unit complex at #5 and #7 Hiawatha Lane, just east of the Summit Saugatuck project.
“Zucaro Apartments” is spearheaded by former Planning & Zoning Commission chair Cathy Walsh, and Faustina Zucaro, a relative of current P&Z member Patrizia Zucaro.
Like “The Village at Saugatuck,” it will be filed under 8-30g — the state’s affordable housing statute — meaning there are very few local grounds for denial.
Citing “greed and abuse” in 8-30g, Curry says, “At this point we are left with the feeling that the evil of 8-30g will be a permanent factor in our lives.
“On the other hand I feel strongly that being so victimized here in Old Saugatuck, we must continue to speak out against 8-30g. We must continue to seek an end to this social and legislative nightmare.
“I will continue advocating on behalf of our community, if there is agreement and support from neighbors and the community.”
Artist’s rendering of Zucaro Apartments.
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As a Representative Town Meeting member for District 1, Matthew Mandell has his ear to the Saugatuck ground.
This weekend, he included some stunning news in his regular email to constituents and friends.
He reported that Cathy Walsh has filed an 8-30g application to turn a pair of 2-story homes into a 5-story, 42-unit apartment building. (8-30g projects include up to 30% of housing that is deemed “affordable,” by a state formula. Towns cannot deny an 8-30g proposal unless there is a specific significant health or safety concern.)
This is Very Big News for 3 reasons:
Cathy Walsh is a former Planning & Zoning Commission chair. She is now a land use consultant.
The property is owned, Mandell says, by Patrizia Zucaro’s family. Last month, she was re-elected as a Republican member of the Planning & Zoning Commission.
The addresses of the 2 homes are #5 and #7 Hiawatha Lane. That’s a small street filled with some of the most affordable homes in Westport — just a few yards from Hiawatha Lane Extension, where the mammoth 157-unit Summit Saugatuck development has finally been okayed, following nearly 2 decades of litigation.
5 and 7 Hiawatha Lane.
Mandell says:
Yes, Hiawatha is in the gun sight again, even before the full impact of the Summit development has even broken ground. This project will destroy the “middle housing” that the state says is so important to communities in favor of this out of place monstrosity.
And if you can count like I can, this is actually 7-stories with the garage and pitched roof, huge. This is way bigger than what is going up at the intersection of Wilton Road and Kings Highway North.
Quite the turn. Cathy Walsh, while on the P&Z, was one of the more vocal commissioners against 8-30g and overdevelopment. As chair she went so far as to shut down 8-30g applicant Tim Hollister’s (Summit) speech, leading to one of the many lawsuits which ultimately gave us the first Hiawatha debacle.
She was part of the majority that upended the senior housing project slated for Baron’s South which would have brought over 80 units of senior housing, 40% of which would have been affordable. (Note – on appeal to the RTM, a vast majority voted to overturn that decision, but did not achieve the high bar of 2/3s of the body).
Now, I don’t know Ms. Zucaro’s part in this and will not presume, but it is her address, owned by her family and the project is called “Zucaro Apartments.” Clearly she can’t sit on this application.
A rendering of “Zucaro Apartments,” from the Planning & Zoning application.
8-30g has never been about creating affordable housing. It is a blunt instrument under the guise of such to allow developers to bust zones and profiteer from the law. One just has to shake one’s head as to how this is shaping up.
To my constituents in that area: You know you have my support. We have been through this before. I guess we’ll have to do it again.
“06880” emailed Walsh for her reaction to Mandell’s mailing. She said, “Thanks for reaching out. At this point I must say no comment.”
“06880” also emailed Zucaro yesterday. As of 10 p.m last night, she had not responded to a request for comment.
(Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)
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“06880” has partnered with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.
Three scholarships — each worth $7,500 — will go to high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.
Students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 JPEGs of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.
Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 500 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.
Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2023 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 28.
8-30g — the state’s convoluted, controversial affordable housing act — has been with us for quite a while.
There are rumblings of change in Hartford. What are they? What might they mean for Westport?
A community conversation called “The Impact of CT Statute 8-30g On Westport: What to Expect in 2023” may shed some light.
The February 27 event (Westport Library, 7 p.m.) features State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, Westport town attorney Ira Bloom, Westport Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin, and Evonne Klein of the Connecticut Center for Ending Homelessness.
The event is organized by the Westport Representative Town Meeting. RTM moderator Jeff Wieser will lead the discussion.
Artist’s rendering of Summit Saugatuck. The 187-unit development on Hiawatha Lane Extension has been mired in 8-30g controversies for years.
However, according to alert “06880” reader Bobbie Herman, the Westport Avenue store is no longer accepting their ubiquitous coupons. No worries: Everything there is 20% off.
The Fairfield location, on Kings Highway, is set to close. Their sale began the other day.
The home goods chain announced plans last year to shutter approximately 150 stores and cut 20 percent of its workforce. Another round of closures was announced the other day, on the heels of news they defaulted on their credit line, and may file for bankruptcy.
There are plenty of important fundraising galas in Westport. Each has its own beneficiary, theme and vibe.
But only one invites you to come in pajamas.
The 4th annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala (March 11, 7 p.m., FTC Warehouse, Fairfield) celebrates the life of Rachel Doran — the Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate, who was also a talented sleepwear designer — with music, food, an auction and great community spirit.
Proceeds benefit local families navigating the critical illness of a child. Rach’s Hope provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement, so family members can focus on being present for their children.
Guests are invited to wear “pajama-chic attire” to honor “Rachel’s Rags” — the business she began before her death in 2018.
An honors student and skilled costume designer for Staples Players, Rachel was a rising senior at Cornell University studying fashion design and business when she suffered a rare reaction to common medications.
The chain of unimaginable events leading to Rachel’s loss brought the Doran family’s friends together to support them when they needed it the most. That became the healing mission for Rach’s Hope: ensuring no family goes through the illness of a child alone.
Click here for tickets, and more information. To donate funds, goods, experiences or services to the auction, email teamrachshope@gmail.com.
Only 7 VIP tickets remain for Fashionably Westport.
The raised runway show (Saturday, March 4, 7 p.m., Westport Library Trefz Forum) highlights downtown’s fashion and beauty merchants. Just as importantly, it’s a benefit for Homes with Hope.
That’s just part of the 2-day event. Also included: in-store activities and promotions.
VIP tickets include light bites, a DJ and gifts. Click here for all tickets.
The Staples High School boys swim and dive team needs to raise funds for activities not sponsored by the Board of Education budget.
During a “Swim Challenge” (Friday, February 10, 4 p.m.), team members will swim 240 laps.
Yeah, that’s a lot: 6,000 meters (more relatably: 3.7 miles).
They’re seeking sponsors per lap. Scan the Venmo QR code in the flyer below, or send a check: Staples Swim & Dive Team, c/o Timothy Tanksley, 8 Salem Road, Westport, CT 06880. Be sure to write “Wreckers Swim Challenge.”
And finally … in honor of all the Aquarion, Fire Department and private contractor folks who worked over the past 2 days — in frigid weather — to fix Westport’s 2 water main breaks:
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Westport First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein offer their thoughts next Sunday (February 5, 2 p.m., Westport Library).
The “State of the Town” event is free. It will also be live-streamed here.
After a review of town and school accomplishments, and a preview of what’s ahead, the officials will answer questions. Westport Rotary Club past president Tony McDowell will moderate.
The event is a joint initiative of the Westport Sunrise Rotary and Westport Rotary Club.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein, at last winter’s “State of the Town” event.
Summit Saugatuck — the 187-unit development on Hiawatha Lane Extension, near I-95 Exit 17 — has plowed ahead.
Last summer, what seemed to be the final steps for construction occurred. The last tenants left their homes, and heavy equipment moved in.
For 2 decades, neighbors have fought the proposal. Yesterday, after countless setbacks, Carolanne Curry — one of the most dogged opponents — sent this message:
“For 20 years we’ve been living with the bad news — the disrupting presence of developer Felix Charney wrecking havoc and and uncertainty in our lives. But today there is good news for all of us who want to Save Old Saugatuck.
“For many months our attorney, Joel Green, has been preparing significant legal steps to appeal the recent court ruling. He has prevailed in submitting a formal filing with a 170-page plaintiff’s brief, taking our case from the CT State Superior Court to the CT State Appellate Court. This was no easy task as Charney’s attorney, Tim Hollister, created many delays and presented misinformation and intimidations.
“Once an appeal has been filed, no property development should progress until the appeal has been settled. Over the next several months Attorney Green will have the opportunity to present the compelling reasons that legally support retaining a single family neighborhood on Hiawatha Lane Extension, and simultaneously would protect every other home in our community of Old Saugatuck. (To read online or download a PDF file of the entire brief, click here.)
“This initial appeal is just the first step in the appeal process… and we will continue to take this as far as possible.”
Artist’s rendering of the proposed 187-unit apartment complex on Hiawatha Lane.
Rain gear has been added to the list of material being collected for Ukraine, at the next 2 Westport Farmers’ Markets (February 2 and 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Lane).
Also needed: gently used winter coats, mittens, hats and gloves. Cash contributions to help with shipping costs are welcome too.
Questions? Want to help? Email Mark Yurkiw: mark.think3d@gmail.com.
Mark Yurkiw is helping collect supplies for his native Ukraine.
Longtime Westporter Martin Rosenfeld died Monday at his home in Rockville, Maryland. He was 95 years old.
Living here from 1998 until 2021, he and Martha, his wife of 66 years, were active members of the community.
Together, they donated over 16,000 volunteer hours, during nearly 20 years of service at Norwalk Hospital. Countless area residents remember Martin from his help with patients, visitors and staff in the ambulatory surgical waiting room.
Longtime members of a synagogue in New Rochelle, when they retired they looked for a community where they could continue to be active. At The Conservative Synagogue of Westport they found a young community with many children, which they immersed themselves in.
They assisted in the office, shined the silver on the Torah scrolls, and provided Passover Seders for people without local families. Martin played a key role as a tutor in the synagogue’s B’Nai Mitzvah program.
At the age of 70, Martin learned to read Torah for the first time. Until the pandemic diverted synagogue services to Zoom, he was still going strong — in fact, he was the synagogue’s most prolific reader.
Martin and Martha Rosenfeld
He and his Martha were avid attendees at adult education programs, inspiring all. In 2018, the couple were honored by the Federation for Jewish Philanthropy of Upper Fairfield County.
Born in the Bronx, Martin was a graduate of DeWitt Clinton High School and New York University. A veteran of World War II, he then attended Yale University where he became fluent in Japanese.
In addition to his wife Martha (Elowsky), Martin is survived by his daughter Elizabeth, son and daughter-in-law Reuben and Ora, and 3 grandsons.
His funeral and burial services were held Tuesday in Elmont, Long Island. Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn and Cantor Luis Cattan officiated.
Longtime Westporter Joseph Crosby, Jr. died this week, after a brief illness. He was 82.
Raised outside Philadelphia, Joe entered the Navy as an officer after graduating from LaSalle in 1962. While stationed in Puerto Rico he met his wife of 55 years, Carmen I. Crosby (Brau).
They settled in Westport in 1969 and raised their family there, the greatest joy of his life.
Joe was a pilot with American Airlines, retiring as captain in 2000. His favorite trips were those that brought him home each night. His children called him “the only pilot who doesn’t enjoy traveling.”
Joe also loved sailboats, and purchased his first in 1976. Over the years the boats got bigger, and the family summer cruises longer. They traveled to Block Island, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.
At home, Joe spent mornings discussing the New York Times, afternoons watching the birds, squirrels, chipmunks and ducks that graced their yard, and evenings in the living room with cocktails and snacks.
His favorite activities were watching sunsets on the boat, and spending time with his grandchildren.
Joe is survived by his wife Carmen; daughter Tracy Crosby (Peter Vath); son Joe (Tricia Mulligan), and grandchildren Caleb and Leah Vath, and Samantha and Ryan Crosby.
His family expresses appreciation to all the healthcare professionals at Bridgeport Hospital, especially the Progressive Care Unit, Vitas, and the 7th floor team.
The family will receive visitors on February 4 (11 a.m., followed by a service at noon) at Harding Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Bridgeport Rescue Mission in Joe’s name.
Joseph Crosby, Jr.
===============================================
It’s been nearly 2 weeks since we ran a “Westport … Naturally” photo of the black buzzards buzzing around the dumpster behind Gaetano’s and Shanghai Gourmet.
They’re still there, enjoying Italian and Chinese food to go.
Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup announced the delivery of 2 trash trucks and 2 police cars to Westport’s new sister city: Lyman, Ukraine.
Katya Wauchope took yesterday’s videos and photos from Brian Mayer, and created this important report of the day. As mayor Alexander Victoravich Zuravlov notes, this was the most pressing need for his town.
The first announcement of VersoFest 2023 is a big one.
The Smithereens headline the Friday, March 31 concert at the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum.
Joining the Smithereens as lead vocalist that night: Marshall Crenshaw.
The opening act is Americana musician Amilia K Spicer, fresh off a rave review from NPR. Miriam Linna DJs the night, with 45s from one of the most revered record collections anywhere.
VersoFest is a multi-day music and media festival/conference, born at the Library’s Verso Studios.
The festival opens Thursday, March 30, and continues with a full slate of programs and workshops Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2. Famed producer Steve Lillywhite delivers the keynote Saturday afternoon.
Founded in New Jersey in 1980, The Smithereens have created electrifying, original rock ‘n’ roll for 42 years. Their take-no-prisoners, East Coast roots-rock sound was inspired by Buddy Holly, The Who, Nick Lowe and The Move.
They were in heavy rotation on MTV, and appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “Saturday Night Live.” The Smithereens have performed at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Radio City Music Hall, and internationally from Europe to Australia. Tourmates include Tom Petty, Squeeze, the Pretenders, Lou Reed and the Ramones.
Tickets for the show are $40; click here to purchase. Click here for more information on the Smithereens, and VersoFest.
The Smithereens, with Marshall Crenshaw (white vest).
Westport Police report 2 custodial arrests between January 12 and 18.
One was a follow-up on a previous incident on Center Street where an individual was acting erratically, drinking motor oil. and yelling at officers. While fighting with the officers, the suspect punched them in their heads, causing one to fall and break his wrist. He referred to officers with derogatory names, and made threatening statements concerning officers and their families. He was charged with assault on a public safety officer, and threatening.
The second arrest came after damage to property owned by the Westport Housing Authority, caused by driving on grass. He was charged with criminal mischief.
Police issued the following citations:
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 8
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Misuse of plates: 4
Failure to obey control signal: 4
Speeding: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Failure to display plates: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Violation of any traffic control regulation: 2
Insurance coverage fails minimum requirements: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Driving with out-of-state plates after 30 days: 1
Disobeying the signal of an officer: 1.
One arrest began when a suspect was drinking motor oil.
In other Westport Police news, the department yesterday conducted unannounced inspections of businesses that sell tobacco products and/or e-cigarettes. The goal was determine compliance with state laws prohibiting sales to anyone under 21.
Remember how much fun the Yankee Doodle Fair was? Of course!
Remember how the sponsors — the Westport Woman’s Club — told you it was a fundraiser for important local causes? Of course not!
But it was. It always is.
The WWC has just announced their 2023 grant recipients. Thanks to your generosity — well, your purchase of ride tickets, games of chance and food — these non-profits will share $41,000:
Burroughs Community Center
Cancer Care
Child Advocates of Southwestern Connecticut
Circle of Care for Families of Children with Cancer
Circle of Friends Connecticut
CLASP Homes
Domestic Violence Crisis Center
ElderHouse
Family & Children’s Agency
Food Rescue US
Hall Neighborhood House
Homes with Hope
Horizons at Norwalk Community College
Human Services Council/Children’s Connection
Liberation Recovery for Life Programs
Malta House
My Team Triumph – Connecticut
Norwalk Housing Foundation
Person to Person
Positive Directions
Regional Hospice and Home Care Western Connecticut
St. Catherine Center for Special Needs
Suzuki Music School
Urban Impact of Black Rock
VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
See you at the fair!
These kids helped raise $41,000 for charity. (Photo/Stephanie Mastocciolo)
On the heels of yesterday’s delivery of 2 police vehicles and 2 trash trucks to our new sister city, Katya Wauchope — a key member of the group that worked to raise $252,000 in 19 days for the war-torn town — sent a photo of her latest project:
It’s one of many camouflage hats she’s knitting for the Lyman police.
“Ukrainians are used to having their grandmas knit hats, socks and mittens for their family,” Katya — a native of that country — says.
“So I decided to be the town grandma!”
She began knitting last month. So far, she’s made nearly 2 dozen.
Against all odds, a group of residents continues to battle the Hiawatha Lane/Summit Saugatuck development. They write:
“Our historic, working-class, single-family neighborhood became the sacrificial lamb of Westport. Due to their lack of proper planning, the town of Westport had failed to meet their mandated 8-30g [affordable housing] quota, and allowing this project to go forward would remedy that oversight, so the rest of Westport would not be burdened.
“Please note: Our objection has to do with size, scale, environmental issues, traffic, pedestrian safety, and EMS access issues. Our objection to this development has nothing to do with permitting affordable housing, as that is acknowledged and recognized as the historic and existing strong community identifier and profile that is Old Saugatuck.
“Having taken our objections as far as we could through Town of Westport channels, we had to secure legal services from an attorney to fight this dangerous development in court… which is extremely costly. But we must Save Old Saugatuck.
“We have received contributions from very supportive neighbors and friends, and that has enabled us to begin this challenging legal process. We are forever grateful for their help. However, the battle is not over, and we desperately need further contributions to see this chapter through successfully.
“The court ruling has the potential to be a historic and ground-breaking (no pun intended!) ruling… we believe it is worth the effort to preserve the integrity and beauty of this historic neighborhood. After 20 years – we don’t want to give up!”
They created a GoFundMe page, to raise legal fees. Click here for the Save Old Saugatuck website.
Artist’s rendering of the proposed 187-unit apartment complex on Hiawatha Lane.
Business Networking International’s Westport chapter invites professionals to an open networking session (7 to 7:30 a.m.) and Visitor’s Day (7:30 to 9 a.m.) next Thursday (January 26, United Methodist Church, 49 Weston Road).
The organization — which is limited to one professional per category — has openings in these categories: LinkedIn expert, counseling services or psychotherapist, home security, HVAC, photographer, caterer or bakery, florist, event/wedding planner, home inspector, moving company, travel/tour operator, automotive repair, landscaper, electrician, payroll, product development firm/inventor, IP attorney, consumer products company and professional writer.
“Yesterday I looked outside to find 3 goats in my Clover Lane yard. When Animal Control walked over I asked if they escaped from Wakeman Town Farm, which is not that close, but not far.
“He said they came from a neighbor’s house on Victoria Lane. It took a while, but they wrangled one of them. I snapped a photo of the other two.
“I asked if it’s legal to keep them. The man from Animal Control said he would have a talk with the neighbors.”
(Where else but “06880” would you learn that drinking motor oil could lead to an arrest? Please click here to keep stories like that one coming. Thank you!)
More than a dozen residents gathered in the driveway of a Hiawatha Lane Extension home. Representatives of the development, site planning and construction companies involved in the 157-unit housing complex that will soon be built there had invited neighbors. The goal was to explain the building process, and listen to concerns.
Some of the concerns had been aired already. Residents are worried about trucks navigating the narrow roads; safety of children; noise; drainage and runoff.
Hiawatha neighbors listen intently.
Gus Pappajohn, president and CEO of A. Pappajohn Company, the Norwalk-based builders; Pete Romano, principal of LandTech, the Saugatuck civil engineering firm, and David Walsh of Summit Development explained the timetable — demolition of several homes will begin in 2 weeks, and last approximately 2 years — and described how they’ll handle issues like parking, school buses and culverts.
Other concerns have been aired earlier, throughout the nearly 20 years since a smaller development was first proposed. They involve traffic on nearby Saugatuck Avenue, and the displacement of residents from one of the least expensive neighborhoods in Westport.
Pappajohn, Romano and Walsh noted that those issues were already adjudicated. The town of Westport settled with Summit after years of litigation, allowing the development to proceed.
A rendering of the development, on an easel yesterday. (Photos/Dan Woog)
Several neighbors said angrily that they had not had a chance to air those concerns during the approval process. Construction officials replied that as an 8-30g application — one that addresses affordable housing in towns that do not meet a state minimum — issues like traffic are not part of the discussion.
“It’s been a long and contentious process,” Romano acknowledged. “But we’re here to talk about the future, not the past.”
For nearly an hour, residents peppered the builder, engineer and developer with questions about the future. And the past.
They looked at architectural plans and renderings of the 3 buildings. They asked again. Pappajohn, Romano and Walsh repeated their promises to keep disruption as minimal as possible; to be available at all times, and to continue to keep the neighbors informed throughout construction.
And then — with the sun and their anger still hot — the meeting ended. The neighbors walked home, past several now-empty homes and a new chain link fence.
Plans for the 3 new buildings. (Hover over or click to enlarge.)
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The long legal battle to stop construction of 157 apartments on Hiawatha Lane may be over.
Hartford Superior Court Judge Marshall Berger issued a summary judgment ruling on Tuesday, in favor of developer Summit Saugatuck. The ruling may effectively end efforts by the plaintiffs — residents of the neighborhood off Saugatuck Avenue, near I-95 Exit 17 — to halt the project.
At issue were deed restrictions, limiting some properties in the area to single-family development.
At issue were deed restrictions of some properties in the area, limiting each lot to single-family development. At least 2 of those parcels are included in the Summit plans.
Owners of the other properties included in the deed restriction filed suit against Summit for breaching the restriction. They asked the court to prevent Summit from proceeding with the development, after its approved by Westport’s Planning & Zoning Commission.
Berger ruled that the easement did not reach the necessary legal requirements for it to be enforceable against the Summit properties. (Hat tip: Gloria Gouveia)
Artist’s rendering of one of the buildings at Summit Saugatuck’s Hiawatha Lane development.
Congratulations to Sasha Maskoff. The talented senior — a pianist who has played at Carnegie Hall (and last December’s spectacular Candlelight Concert), and tutors young students — is the 2022 Staples Key winner.
The award — donated by Westport’s Kiwanis Club — is considered the most prestigious at the high school. The other finalists were Jasper Cahn and William Heisler.
The honor was announced by principal Stafford Thomas, at last night’s annual awards ceremony. Arts, English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Language and other awards were presented too.
Thomas also presented 15 Principal’s Awards, for outstanding service and contributions, to Slade Anastasia, Nick Augeri, Caroline Coffey, Catherine Cunningham, Amy Ginzburg, Emorej Hunter, Matthew Jordan, Elle Laub, Madeline Michalowski, ishan Prasad, Noah Robison, Ally Schwartz, Max Udell and Ella Williams.
Two members of each class received Staples Awards for Character: seniors Chloe Nevas and Nick Prior, juniors Jacob Baker and Miriam Hurley, sophomores Gianna Amatuzzi and Caroline Hechter, and freshmen Dylan Phillips and Mieszko Solowinski.
Staples High School principal Stafford Thomas, at last night’s awards ceremony. (Photo/David Pogue)
Stop twiddling your thumbs. Get tickets for Twiddle!
The Vermont-based band — which enjoys a strong Fairfield County following — will perform at the Levitt Pavilion on July 29-30).
Doors open at 3 p.m. for the Friday event. Twiddle will do 2 sets; they’ll be joined by Mihali and The Nth Power.
Saturday begins with a special 1 p.m. VIP acoustic set. Doors open to the public at 3 p.m. Twiddle will do 2 more sets. Dwight & Nicole and Eggy are on the bill too.
Member tickets are available now. Public tickets – with early-bird pricing — begins at noon today. Click here for details.
A few tickets are still available for Tower of Power’s “Stars on Tour” Levitt appearance this Saturday (June 4, 7:30 p.m.).
Click here for more information, including purchases for all ticketed shows.
Monday, June 20 (8 p.m.) is the new date for the Westport Library’s “Booked for the Evening” with Shonda Rhimes. It was postponed from earlier this week.
All seats have been sold for the in-person event. However, tickets are available to watch via Zoom. Click here for details.
Agendas for the Historic District Commission are straightforward affairs.
The one for its next meeting — Tuesday, November 9, 7:30 p.m., Zoom (click here for the link) starts out like most others.
After approving minutes, the group will “take such action as the meeting may determine to oppose the issuance of the demolition permit” for 171 Compo Road South, 3 Sunrise Road and 5 Minute Man Hill, and “require the full 180-day delay.” The agenda item is mandatory, for houses more than 50 years old.
The next 8 similar items, though, may be contentious. Th language is the same. But the properties are 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 47 Hiawatha Lane.
One of the Hiawatha Lane homes on the demolition list.
Those homes would be torn down to make way for Summit Saugatuck’s 157-unit development, off Saugatuck Avenue by I-95 Exit 17.
Area residents have filed a lawsuit in Bridgeport Superior Court to stop construction.
A group of neighbors on the road, off Saugatuck Avenue near I-95 Exit 17, has filed suit in Bridgeport Superior Court.
The plaintiffs ask the court for a “temporary and permanent injunction enjoining the Defendant from constructing greater than a one-family house on any of the lots owned by the Defendant in the Subdivision in violation of the One-Family House Restriction.”
The neighbors claim that a covenant on the property restricts all development on land owned by the defendant — Summit Saugatuck — to one-family houses only.
The plaintiffs also cite health and safety concerns related to increased traffic, along with runoff and flood issues.
The redevelopment plan for Hiawatha Lane. Click to enlarge.
A 157-unit development on Hiawatha Lane is now one step closer to reality.
Earlier today, Judge Marshall Berger of Hartford Superior Court approved an agreement between the town of Westport and Summit Saugatuck, developer of the project off Saugatuck Avenue by I-95 Exit 17.
Testimony in the virtual public hearing was offered by Carolanne Curry for Save Old Saugatuck and Gloria Gouveia, a Westport resident and friend of SOS.
Both urged Judge Berger to visit the site before ruling on the stipulated agreement — the subject of a recent appeal to the Representative Town Meeting by opponents of the project.
Berger replied that neither the attorneys for the town of Westport nor counsel for Summit had requested that he do so.
Artist’s rendering of one of the buildings at the Hiawatha Lane development.
Curry also raised the issue of continuing and worsening flood events. During recent storms, access to Hiawatha Lane Extension was cut off at its intersection with Hiawatha Lane.
Berger dismissed concerns about flooding, saying they were the purview of the town’s land use agencies governing the development.
The next step: Summit will submit revised plans for the project. It has been reduced from 187 units, to 157.
Further litigation may loom, however, over deed restrictions on the property.
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